5 Different Types of Tailgating Accidents
Tailgating accidents are often lumped together as simple rear-end collisions, but the reality is far more complex. The term tailgating can actually refer to a handful of different accident scenarios, each with unique legal and insurance considerations.
If you’ve been injured in a tailgating-related crash in Pennsylvania or New Jersey, share the nuances of your case with a Bucks County personal injury attorney. A lawyer can talk to you about seeking compensation for accident-related expenses.
Are All Tailgating Accidents the Same?
While tailgating accidents may seem straightforward, the details matter. Proving fault, especially in disputed cases, often requires evidence such as surveillance footage, accident reconstruction, and witness statements. Here are five different types of tailgating crashes.
- Standard rear-end crash. This is the most common type of tailgating accident. A driver follows too closely and fails to stop in time, slamming into the vehicle in front. These crashes often occur in stop-and-go traffic, at red lights, or when a driver is distracted. While liability is usually clear, insurance companies may try to minimize payouts by arguing that the front driver braked too suddenly.
- Multi-vehicle pileups. When tailgating happens at high speeds, especially on highways, a rear-end collision can trigger a chain reaction. If multiple vehicles are involved, determining liability becomes more complicated. Traffic camera footage, police reports, and witness testimony could be analyzed to determine fault.
- Brake-check accidents. Sometimes, a driver in front slams on their brakes in frustration, causing the car behind them to crash. While tailgating is dangerous, brake-checking is equally reckless and could shift liability. If you were injured in this type of accident, it’s important to gather evidence, such as dashcam footage, to prove the other driver’s actions.
- Tailgating in poor weather. Bucks County roads can be treacherous in rain, ice, and snow. If a driver follows too closely during hazardous conditions, their stopping distance increases dramatically. Even if they argue that weather was to blame, their negligence in failing to adjust their driving habits could still make them liable.
- Aggressive driving incidents. Some tailgaters engage in aggressive driving, weaving through traffic and intimidating other drivers. If a tailgater’s reckless behavior leads to a crash, their actions could constitute negligence. These cases may involve both insurance claims and criminal charges.
After sustaining an injury in a tailgating accident, compensation may be within reach, but the level of fault you carry may matter.
What If I’m Told I’m to Blame?
Even if an insurance company tries to shift blame, suggesting you should not be eligible for recovery based on your own actions, an experienced Bucks County personal injury attorney can fight for the settlement you deserve. Don’t let the insurance company dictate your recovery, partner with an attorney to discuss your options and protect your rights.
Were you injured in a collision and tailgating played a role? The legal team at Kevin L. Hand, P.C. has the skills to investigate your case and use the evidence collected to build a strong case to maximize your compensation. Call 215-515-2604 to schedule a confidential consultation.
